With warm weather on the horizons, there’s no better time for dining out in the sun with a taste of the sea! And when it comes to the ocean’s best, the harbour city has its fair share of gems. Here’s your Now Book It guide to the best places for seafood in Sydney, from dockside fish markets to speakeasy sushi bars.
Venues are listed in no particular order.
1. Empire Lounge
Named after the 1938 flying boats, this Rose Bay locale is part departure lounge, part luxurious lounge and cocktail bar. It’s not only the place to watch seaplanes take off, it’s an ideal spot for relaxed dining. Enjoy the sea breeze over a feast from the casual dining menu that’s full of divine locally caught seafood options, from kingfish crudo to Appelation oysters.
Location: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 12 – 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 8am – 9pm
2. Bay Nine Omakase
One of the Rocks’ favoured Japanese restaurants, Bay Nine’s omakase lets you leave the decision making to the chef and sit back to enjoy the experience. The intimate counter seats make a great choice for a quiet luncheon or dinner dates. Expect an eight or 11-course menu that sees contemporary Japanese takes on seafood, like scampi in miso reduction and sashimi lobster tail.
Location: Bay 9, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000
Opening hours: Thursdays to Saturdays 5:30 – 10:30pm, Saturdays 12 – 2pm and Sundays 6 – 8pm
3. Fish Face Bar and Grill
On balmy days, this Balgowlah joint with alfresco seatings makes a sublime spot for great variety, which is to say, there’s something for everyone! The scallops in dill and lemon butter are a strong starter, and customers also love the barramundi fish and chips. For diners who are a little less seafood-inclined, look further down the menu for a solid Black Onyx ribeye. Nip on over on Friday afternoons for free beer and wine during happy hour (from 3 to 6pm), absolutely worth the trek to the northern beaches.
Location: 70/215 Condamine Street, Balgowlah NSW
Opening hours: Wednesdays to Sundays 12pm till late.
4. Harbourfront
If you can’t tell by now, this is also a list for those breathtaking views! Harbourfront is well loved for its terrace seats that overlooks both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but certainly also its menu featuring the freshest local produce. Replete with impeccable service, this is a great spot if you’re showing friends around town. Seafood gets a modern, flavour packed treatment here, from the grilled Eastern king prawns in chilli mango to tagliatelle doused in silky, luxurious sea urchin cream.
Location: Bay 1-3, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Opening hours: Mondays to Wednesdays 11:30am – 3pm, 5 – 10pm; Thursdays to Sundays 11am – 10pm
5. RND Bondi
When the rolled doors come down on Bondi’s daytime cafe Harry’s, that’s your sign to step into glowed up speakeasy-style izakaya RND. Expect a menu that spells Bondi with Japanese sensibilities — think standouts like the lobster tempura sando with yuzu slaw and fermented chilli mayo and crispy rice with spicy tuna tartare. There’s also super fresh soy-slicked sashimi and pop open a can of their snarky margaritas while you’re at it. If it’s classic sushi rolls you crave, head on over to sister Raw Bar next door for a bite.
Location: 136 Wairoa Ave, Bondi Beach NSW
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 5:30pm – midnight
6. Boiling Crab
After making a splash in Melbourne, this Cajun-style seafood sensation has taken its spread to two outposts here in Sydney and the eat-with-your-hands party shows no sign of stopping. Put on a bib for this; the menu offers a choose-your-own seafood and sauce scenario and your best bet has to be the signature crab boil. Round it out with Southern sides, ranging from corn on the cob to gumbo and cajun-spiced fries.
Location: 68 Harbour Street Haymarket, NSW 2000
Opening hours: Daily, 12 – 9pm
7. Fish at The Rocks
After nearly three decades in business within the historic building, there’s no debating the quality at this stalwart. The reason Fish at the Rocks has stood the test of time is… well, fish! Don’t miss the crowd favourite scallop ravioli and freshness-guaranteed grilled fish of the day. If you have time for a long lunch, make it a boozy one with something from the curated wine list to go with the two-course seafood platter.
Location: 29 Kent St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Opening hours: Daily, 5:30 – 8:30pm; Mondays to Fridays 12-2pm
8. Besuto
Best known for bringing the best of omakase to Sydney, Besuto is hidden beneath a bar that reveals a snazzy traditional Japanese 12-seat counter. Whether you’re in for 18 or 20 courses, you’l start with oysters and make your way through the star(s) of the show — seafood nigiri skillfully prepared with what’s available on the day from curated suppliers. The convivial vibes means it’ll be a savvy move to pour a glass of sake or Japanese whiskey to wash down the delicate but flavour-forward meal.
Location: 3 Underwood St, Circular Quay, NSW 2000
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 5:30 – 10:30pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12:30 – 10pm
9. Jordon's Seafood
There’s no discussing seafood in Sydney without mentioning this waterfront restaurant boasting wharf side views and a stunning menu of flame-grilled dishes. We’re talking BBQ king prawn skewers, sesame swordfish belly, melt-in-your-mouth black cod and fired up creamy rock lobster. Get a taste of everything with the signature seafood platter and if you’ve got a crustacean fixation, swing by on Thursdays for prawn and lobster night!
Location: Shop 6/32 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, NSW 2000
Opening hours: Sundays to Thursdays 11:30am – 9pm; Fridays and Saturdays 11:30am – 10:30pm
10. Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf
Part seafood market, part fish and chippery and part alfresco restaurant over the waters, this merry old joint is a gem when you’re up for an excursion to the Central Coast. Come for a laidback dining experience out on the jetty and head straight for the bowl of day’s best unpeeled prawns to go with a drink . From there, it’s seafood dealer’s choice whether you like a great fish and chips, mussels in spicy tomato broth or a bbq yellowfin tuna.
Location: The Boulevarde, Woy Woy NSW 2256
Opening hours: Sundays to Thursdays 12 – 3pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12 – 9pm
